Vegan restaurants are becoming increasingly easy to find as the general public becomes more tuned in to the environmental, health and ethical benefits of a vegan lifestyle. We scoured the country for the restaurants that are pushing plant-based eating into a new light.
Text originally published on dresstokillmagazine.com
MONTREAL
5700 Monkland Av.
This Toronto vegan hot spot just expanded to Montreal, offering lunch, dinner, coffee, cocktails, and other drinks. The dishes oscillate between comforting and light options, such as a loaded sweet potato, spicy bibimbap, or pulled pineapple sliders, showing that vegan options can also fully embrace the earthy side. If you get your potato wedges “messy,” they’ll come topped with guacamole, cashew cream, pickled onions, fresh green onions and a roasted, toasty kind of smoky coconut crumble that will make you forget all about bacon bits.
368 Rue Saint-Paul
As the new addition to vegan restaurants in Montreal, Bloom Sushi offers vegan versions of Futomakis, Kamikazes, Dragon Eyes, Homosaki and Nigiri. Everything Bloom Sushi offers is designed with the sustainable development and health of our oceans in mind. Indeed, the restaurant uses as little plastic as possible while encouraging local producers. As an accompaniment to vegan sushi, the house offers, for a complete Japanese immersion, a beautiful offer of sakes and Japanese whiskies. Bloom Sushi also features light cocktails, a small selection of wine bottles, and Québec and Japanese beers.
361 Bernard St W.
ARadis’ menu, which evolves along with the seasons, is inspired by Italian cuisine and features classics along with inventive dishes like the delectable, melt-in-your-mouth, umami-packed Foie Pas Trop Gras, served with roasted apricot halves, sweet braised onion and ultra-crunchy toast or the chestnut-stuffed wild mushroom tortellini. You also have the option to feast on homemade pasta and focaccia, along with vegan adaptations on dishes such as fresh mozzarella, made with fresh and organic products.
TORONTO
133 Richmond St. W
This buzzing vegan restaurant is adorned with fresh foliage, plenty of natural light and vintage-inspired furniture, making it extra hard for you to not snap a photo of the decor for your Instagram feed. Go there to eat Mexican vegan treats bursting with flavors that will satisfy the pickiest eater—like the chickpea and beet tostada with pomegranate and sesame or the jackfruit pibil taco (you’d swear it’s pulled pork) with crispy taro root and slaw. Rosalinda is all about showcasing vegetables at their best, without trying to make it look like meat.
424 Queen St W
Parka Food Co. is a plant-based restaurant with a mission to make eating veggies fun. It’s a casual, unlicensed spot doing up veggie versions of burgers and mac n’ cheese. The space is minimal and open with an emphasis on transparency, most food prep done right out in the openat glassed-off counters. Everything on Parka’s menu is made from scratch, and their staff are friendly. Though their menu has no more than 10 items, everything is truly flavorful and all their ingredients are high quality.
VANCOUVER
3995 Main Street
If you’re looking for a special, slightly higher-end dining experience, Acorn is it. Named as the Best Vegan Spot in the World by Big Seven Travel earlier this year, this hot vegan spot serves the best in fine vegetarian and vegan dining, along with craft cocktails, excellent service, and delicious seasonally inspired dishes. Everything is beautifully presented, and you’ll want to try it all (tip: definitely try the mushroom appetizer).
1509 West 12 Avenue
Known for their epic plant-based dishes like Kale Caesar, Brassica Bowl, and the Ninja Bowl, Heirloom is a foodie destination for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The vegan eatery excels in providing beautiful, airy spaces and a mouth-watering menu. Dishes are full of colour and taste, and portions are refreshingly large. Favourites include the signature Heirloom Hash with tofu and the Avocado Benedict, all served with mimosas, of course.
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